Thailand, Japan to expand cooperation on economic development

BANGKOK, Jan 18 – Thailand and Japan have agreed to enhance their cooperation and partnership in various development mega projects, especially regarding high speed trains, massive anti-flood system and industrial development related to Myanmar’s Dawei deep seaport and related infrastructure on the Thai-Myanmar border, it was reported last night.

The bilateral talks at Government House were attended by high-level officials of the two countries, led by Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

The Japanese delegation was reportedly keen on jointly investing with Thailand and Myanmar on development of the Dawei special industrial zone given its strategic location to connect East Asia with major markets in South Asia and Europe.

A tripartite meeting among Thailand, Japan and Myanmar will be scheduled to specially discuss the Dawei project.

Ms Yingluck expressed her appreciation to Mr Abe’s visit to Thailand as part of his three-country tour shortly after taking office – clearly emphasising the significance of Thai-Japanese and Thai-ASEAN relationships. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan Exchange and Cooperation.

Mr Abe earlier visited Vietnam and will travel to Indonesia after departing Bangkok.

Ms Yingluck said Japanese investment in Thailand increased by 85 per cent in the first 11 months of last year – a sign of Japanese investors’ confidence in Thailand, adding that the two countries will boost cooperation on development of green technology, automotive, aircraft, energy, science and human resources particularly training of skilled and semi-skilled labour to be supplied to Japanese industries in Thailand and the region.

The Thai premier said a six-party meeting should be urgently held to discuss the situation in Korean Peninsula and to push for a genuine nuclear-free zone in Asia.

Ms Yingluck hosted a dinner in honour of Mr Abe and his wife after their press conference yesterday evening.